Encompassing the Globe: Portugal and the World in the 16th and 17th Centuries

This exhibition brings together approximately 250 objects reflecting the unprecedented cross-cultural dialogue that followed the establishment of Portugal's world trading network -- in Africa, India, China, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Brazil -- in the 16th and 17th centuries. The paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, maps, early books, and other objects provide a rich image of a new world during its formation. In addition, objects focusing on Africa are on view in a related exhibition with the same title at the National Museum of African Art.